Trailer Bottom Rail Bracket Molding Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bottom rail assemblies of trailers allow moisture and contaminants to seep into the sandwich panel sidewalls, leading to corrosion of metallic elements, especially in harsh environments where de-icing agents and chemical washes accelerate this process.

Innovation Solution

The proposed bottom rail assembly features a bracket molding with a sloped top surface that creates a space below the sandwich panel sidewall to allow contaminants to drain, and includes a dam to prevent accumulation, thereby reducing capillary effects and corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bottom rail assembly uses a conventional flat design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but moisture and contaminants can accumulate and seep into the sandwich panel sidewall causing corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidbracket molding structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket molding top surface is designed with a sloped configuration instead of a flat surface. This curvature/slope causes contaminants and moisture to drain away from the sandwich panel sidewall rather than accumulate, preventing corrosion while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a dimensional feature by creating a space between the bracket molding top surface and the sandwich panel sidewall bottom surface. This vertical spacing dimension allows contaminants to drain away and prevents direct contact that would cause corrosion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sandwich panel sidewall is cut by shearing to fit, then the sidewall can be customized to fit the trailer, but the bottom edges become exposed and unprotected against contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesidewall fitVSAvoidcontaminant exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective coating is applied to the exposed bottom edges of the sandwich panel sidewall. This thin film layer provides corrosion protection to the cut edges that would otherwise be vulnerable to contaminants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket molding acts as an intermediary protective element between the exposed sidewall edge and the contaminants. It creates a physical barrier and drainage path that prevents direct exposure of the vulnerable cut edge to moisture and chemicals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If de-icing agents and chemical washes are used in winter environments, then road safety and cleanliness are improved, but corrosion formation on trailer components is accelerated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent durabilityVSAvoidchemical corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sloped bracket molding design converts the harmful accumulation of chemical contaminants into a beneficial drainage system. Instead of allowing chemicals to pool and cause corrosion, the slope directs them away, turning the potential harm into a self-cleaning drainage function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The dam feature is positioned to prevent contaminants from reaching and accumulating at the vulnerable interface between the bracket molding and sandwich panel sidewall. This preliminary barrier action stops corrosion before it can begin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design effectively reduces moisture ingress and subsequent corrosion, enhancing the durability and longevity of trailer components by allowing contaminants to drain and preventing their accumulation, thus protecting the metal and other materials from chemical damage.

Implementation Method 1

Gravity then pulls the solution down to the edges of the panel where it can collect and cause accelerated corrosion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

allow contaminants to drain and substantially reduce capillary effects on the sandwich panel sidewall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary effects: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS10000242B2Bottom rail assembly for trailers

Publication Date: 2018.06.19 HYUNDAI TRANSLEAD INC

AI summary

A bracket molding formed on a bottom rail assembly of a trailer coupled to a sandwich panel sidewall, the bracket molding including: a sloped top surface configured to create a space below a bottom surface of the sandwich panel sidewall to allow contaminants to drain from beneath the sandwich panel sidewall; and a dam formed on the sloped top surface, the dam configured to seal out the contaminants from accumulating in the space below the bottom surface of the sandwich panel sidewall.